• DIAGRAMMING SENTENCES

    Diagramming is a way to show the relationships between the various parts of a sentence. It shows the structure of a sentence, and it can sometimes help the writer recognize a grammatical error in a sentence. The basic diagrams used in one system of diagramming are shown below. Consult a grammar text for more detailed explanations and other samples.

    (1) Diagram for a simple sentence with a simple subject (noun or pronoun) and simple predicate (verb):
     
    1

    (2) Diagram for a simple sentence with adjectives or adverbs:
     
    2

    (3) Diagram for a simple sentence with prepositional phrases (adjective or adverb):
     
    3

    (4) Diagram for a simple sentence with a compound subject:
     
    4

    (5) Diagram for a simple sentence with a compound predicate:
     
    5

    (6) Diagram for a simple sentence with a direct object:
     
    6

    (7) Diagram for a simple sentence with a direct object and an indirect object:
     
    7

    (8) Diagram for a simple sentence with a predicate noun:
     
    8

    (9) Diagram for a simple sentence with a predicate adjective:
     
    9

    (10) Diagram for a compound sentence:
     
    10

    (11) Diagram for a complex sentence with a noun clause:
     
    11

    (12) Diagram for a complex sentence with a relative or adjective clause:
     
    12

    (13) Diagram for a complex sentence with an adverb clause:
     
    13

    A Guide to Communication:The Grosse Pointe Public Schools Style Sheet
    © The Grosse Pointe Public School System, 2000